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LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: We are now going to go out to Capitol Hill where Energy Secretary Bill Richardson, who has been earlier today testifying before a House committee, is now speaking with reporters about high gas prices.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

BILL RICHARDSON, ENERGY SECRETARY: I think it's important that the secretary of energy and the administration have full authority. It involves the home heating oil reserve and other issues.

I've got to go guys.

QUESTION: Mr.Secretary, non-OPEC production, you say, is at capacity. If demand keeps soaring like you say, and it looks like we're going to be in trouble for the winter, we are going to have to ask OPEC in September for some more oil maybe?

Yes? is that yes?

RICHARDSON: No comment.

WATERS: Well, we didn't get much out of that. A no comment on whether or not OPEC will be asked to increase oil prices even more. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson up on Capitol Hill today testifying before the House International Relations Committee about the high price of oil and what effect, if any it may be having, or threatening the United States economy. It is stirring up the political energy juices up on Capitol Hill and this story will last through November. So next time there's a development, we'll pass it along to you.

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